"Basically it's not the end of the goal, it's the beginning of continuing expectations," Principal Mary Hedger said.

5th grade science teacher Jeni Ray speaks with students at the Immaculate Heart of Mary school in Anderson Twp., one of two schools in the area that garnered a Blue Ribbon Schools designation. (Enquirer photo/CRAIG RUTTLE)

Her school, and Terrace Park Elementary in the Mariemont City Schools, were among 17 Ohio schools - and the only ones in Greater Cincinnati - to win the national 2004 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools award. Both schools marked the achievement with celebrations over the past week.

Two Kentucky schools, both in Louisville, were honored.

The program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap, or whose students achieve at high levels. More than 250 schools nationwide received the honor this year.

Hedger set a three-year goal to make IHM a Blue Ribbon School when she arrived in 2001.

She has worked with staff to implement "best practices," teaching techniques used to meet the individual needs of students, into the school's curriculum to increase student achievement.

"Really, the award is about the kids and the teachers," Hedger said.

The Catholic elementary has 637 students in grades 1-8.

The award is nothing new to the Mariemont City School District. Mariemont High School has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School three times, but this year is a first for Terrace Park Elementary.

School officials held an assembly for staff and students last week with Kristine Cohn, a U.S. Department of Education regional representative, and Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, attending.

"It officially recognizes us as an outstanding, successful academic environment," said Superintendent Gerald Harris. "It's good for both the school and the district because all our schools have the same program."

Third-grade teacher Kathy Coates, who has taught at Terrace Park Elementary for 18 years, said the award is a culmination of teamwork.

"We attribute our success to a combination of dedicated and talented teachers and staff, students ready to learn and parents who give us total support," she said.

The principals and a teacher from each school will be recognized in October in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

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